At Home Places, Winter 2025 by Herald-Mail Media

IT’S 2025. IS IT TIME FOR SOME HOME IMPROVEMENTS?

INSIDE: TIPS AND ADVICE FOR MAKING SMART HOME UPDATES

AUTHOR

CARLOS RUBIO

FOUNTAIN HEAD COUNTRY CLUB: 100 YEARS AND STILL SWINGING

CONOCOCHEAGUE INSTITUTE BECOMES A FRONTIER FARMSTEAD

HEALTH TIPS, AND MORE

record 94 America Tour a record Woods. Hall of archionly one Maryland. of exeractivities like spurred club in of first once commerce. In minister of same time a need growing area contains city of wives those that Club in services from Pangborn Hall, Nursing, organizations. who vis

inside

Volume 12, Issue 1

1922. The original farmhouse on the 15th hole dates back to 1760.

Ross designed the original nine holes, which were then expanded to 18 in 1926. The second nine holes were routed by his associate Walter Hatch, a landscape artist. By 1923, Ross had worked on a long list of courses across the country. Over 110 major championships have been played at Ross-designed courses.

Scotland native and professional golfer Jimmy Donnachie helped oversee the initial construction and became the club’s first professional golfer. The terrain was so good for a course that little earth needed to actually be moved, but as is prominent in this area, rock was a challenge. Ross’ vision was to have no two holes play the same direction in succession or have parallel holes. He wanted to “make each hole present a different problem.”

Officers and a board formed on April 8, 1924, with Willis Altenderfer named as the first club president. He served two non-consecutive terms and was part of Hagerstown’s civic leaders of the time. Other founders included Swedish immigrant and businessman O.P. Bohman; John P. Caspar; L. Vinton Hershey; E. Aldine Lakin; Edward and Clyde Mathias of Jefferson County, West Virginia; J. Edward Cochran; and his father-in-law

Cochran’s son Rob joined later and continued the family’s involvement with Fountain Head up to the current time. More founders included Thomas W. Pangborn, Samuel Newman, P.J. Potter, M.F. Riley, E.J. Smead Jr., Elmer Funkhouser, John Tenney, Carl K. Stonebraker, Edwin C. Hook, Dr. Victor D.

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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AT HOME PLACES is published five times a year, featuring Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Holiday issues. Complimentary copies are available at area distribution sites. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY COPYRIGHT. Prices, specials and descriptions are accurate as of the time of publishing. This magazine or parts thereof may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the editor. Advertising information has been provided by the advertiser. Herald-Mail Media does not make any representations as to the opinions or facts contained herein. All terms and conditions subject to change. The cover, design, format and layout of this publication are trademarks of Herald-Mail Media.

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Golf course architect Donald Ross

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ON THE COVER:

As the new year unfolds, many start to plan new home improvements.

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Watch for our SPRING ISSUE coming to your location in March.

The Clubhouse entrance today.

Winter Means Cuddling Up with a Good Book

Written by Lauren Buechmann

The leaves begin to change, catch the wind, and off they go. The tree is becoming dormant as a survival strategy to preserve themselves; preventing loss of water, nutrients and damage to cold during harsh winter conditions. Fresh snowfall acts like a sound-dampening blanket, there is less animal activity outside, and colder air temperatures can dampen sound waves. This could be why winter is often associated with retreat, quiet and renewal before the spring thaw/rebirth.

You hear the kettle boiling, releasing much needed steam into the dry winter air, the aroma of the tea you are steeping lingers with the smell of pine from the candle sitting next to your couch. You head over to a cozy

spot and settle in next to a large stack of books. There’s a book on how to make wreaths from things you find in nature, a North American bird field guide, eco-holiday wrapping styles, and a cozy detective novel you can’t wait to get lost inside the pages of. Right on top, is your trusty e-reader that you like to keep around for those lengthy books, or the books that aren’t large print, but you’d like them to be. If this scenario sounds familiar or how you’d like to spend at least part of your winter season, you needn’t go further than your local library. Reading is still a favorite pastime and so accessible for all. In fact, with today’s available resources through libraries, you can find books on almost anything you want, and all you need is a library card. On the Libby app, there are thousands of books you can read digitally, for free. Whether

it’s a book of Swedish folk tales or the newest Nora Roberts, support your local library by browsing their online catalog (for Washington County residents, visit washcolibrary.org) and downloading the Libby app. If it’s award-winning movies you are searching for, the library has that covered too, both within their walls and free streaming through the Kanopy and Hoopla apps. May your winter be filled with peace, good people, and good pages!

Lauren Buechmann is the head of public relations and marketing at the Washington County Free Library.

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Plan Finances for Major Home Repairs, Remodels

Written by Jacob W. Barr

Owning a home comes with a sense of pride, but it also involves ongoing maintenance and the occasional large financial investment. Major repairs and remodels such as replacing a water heater, upgrading an air conditioner, or remodeling a room can put a strain on your budget if not properly planned for. Here’s how you can effectively plan and finance these improvements to ensure you’re prepared for the costs, without compromising your financial well-being.

ASSESS THE NEED FOR REPAIRS OR UPGRADES

Before jumping into financial planning, evaluate the current condition of what you want to improve. For example, check the water heater, air conditioner, roof, and the state of your kitchen and bathroom. If any of these systems or spaces are nearing the end of their useful life, or showing signs of significant wear and tear, it’s time to prioritize them in your budget.

If your water heater is showing signs of rust, frequent leaks, or inconsistent water temperature, it may be time to replace it.

If your air conditioner is struggling to keep your home cool, or requiring costly repairs, consider a replacement.

A roof that leaks or has missing shingles is a signal that repairs, or even a full replacement are needed.

Kitchen and bathroom remodel projects are more cosmetic but can add significant value to your home. Consider remodeling if these rooms are outdated, dysfunctional, or need to accommodate changing needs such as a growing family or accessibility changes.

GET PROFESSIONAL ESTIMATES

Once you’ve identified the project, reach out to professionals for estimates. This will give you a clear understanding of the total cost for each project. Be sure to get multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting a competitive price.

SET A REALISTIC BUDGET

Once you have a sense of the costs, create a detailed budget. Here are some tips: Prioritize Projects: Not all repairs or remodels need to happen at once. If funds are tight, focus on the most urgent projects first (e.g., replacing the water heater or roof). Remodels can often wait unless they’re necessary for safety or functionality.

Include a Contingency Fund: Home improvement projects often come with unexpected expenses. Set aside an extra 10-20% of your total budget for unforeseen costs. This will help prevent financial stress if something goes wrong during construction.

Consider Financing Options: If your home improvement projects exceed your current savings, you may want to explore financing options, such as: Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit (HELOC): These allow you to borrow against the equity in your home, typically at a lower interest rate than a personal loan or credit card.

Personal Loan: If you don’t have equity in your home, a personal loan may be an option, but be aware of the higher interest rates compared to home equity products.

Credit Cards: For smaller projects, using a credit card with a 0% introductory APR on purchases can be a good option if you plan to pay it off quickly before interest starts to accrue.

Consider the long-term financial

impact of any loan or credit option, and try to avoid taking on debt that you can’t reasonably repay within a year or two.

SAVE AND PLAN OVER TIME

If the cost of these projects is significant, you may want to build up savings before moving forward. Create a dedicated savings account for home repairs and renovations and set aside a fixed amount each month. With consistent savings, you can fund the majority (or all) of the work without needing to take on debt. Use online tools like home improvement calculators or savings apps to track your progress and stay motivated.

CONSIDER DIY VS. PROFESSIONAL HELP

For certain tasks, like painting or minor plumbing, DIY projects may be a viable option to save money. However, for complex repairs like replacing a water heater, roof, or air conditioner, professional expertise is essential. Taking shortcuts on safety or quality can result in higher costs down the road.

DON’T FORGET LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE

Finally, once the repairs or remodels are completed, budget for regular maintenance. Keep an eye on your water heater, air conditioner, roof, and appliances to avoid unexpected repairs in the future, and practive routine maintenance. With careful planning, budgeting, and financing, these projects can be completed without derailing your finances. With the right strategy, you can ensure that your home remains in great condition and that your finances stay on track.

Light Up Your Landscape

Homeowners know there’s no shortage of ways to tweak a property. Some homeowners may lament that the work associated with home ownership is never done, but owning a house also provide endless opportunities to upgrade the spaces people call home.

Landscape lighting has become increasingly popular in recent years. That popularity is undoubtedly due to a number of variables, and each highlights a benefit of installing landscape lighting around a property.

Affordability: Some may think of big budget projects like kitchen remodels or room additions when pondering home renovations. Such projects can have a dramatic impact on the look and feel of a home, but landscape lighting can be equally transformative at a fraction of the cost of larger undertakings. The home renovation experts at Angi.com estimate the average landscape lighting project costs around $4,000, making

affordability a notable benefit of the project.

Appearance: There’s no denying the aesthetic appeal of a well-lit landscape at night. Landscape lighting can be utilized to draw attention to awe-inspiring components of a landscape, whether it’s natural features like gardens and foliage or manmade components like architectural features. Improved appearance can increase curb appeal, which is often associated with how a home looks during daylight hours. But photographs of a well-lit nighttime landscape can impress buyers as well.

Cost savings: Landscape lighting might help homeowners reduce the cost

Landscape lighting can extend living spaces, and many homeowners report that a well-lit landscape helps them feel more safe at home.

of their homeowners insurance. Researchers at PolicyGenius. com found that insurance companies typically offer a discount of 2 to 5 percent to homeowners who install a home security system. Insurance providers may offer additional savings to homeowners who pair such systems with landscape lighting, which can be a deterrent to burglars who prefer to operate under a cloak of darkness.

Safety: Insurance firms may discount premiums because of landscape lighting because they view it as a deterrent to potential

criminals. But landscape lighting also makes moving around a property at night safer for residents and guests. Lighting can be used to illuminate walkways, outdoor living rooms, patios around pools, and other areas where residents and guests will be walking at night, which can reduce the risk of falls and injuries that may result from such spills.

ROI: Savvy homeowners consider a renovation’s return on investment before deciding to go forward with a project. Studies vary, but the National

DID YOU KNOW?

Though the final cost to light up a home’s exterior will depend on the size of a property, landscape lighting is among the more budget-friendly home renovations homeowners can consider.

According to the renovation experts at Angi.com, the average cost of a landscape lighting project is $4,000. Considering how much landscape lighting transforms the look of a property at night, that’s a lot of bang for homeowners’ bucks.

Solar lights are popular, but homeowners may want to consider electrical wiring that ensures lights maintain their awe-inspiring glow throughout the night. Electrical work requires additional labor, and thus a higher price tag. However, Angi notes that modern LED bulbs consume just 25 percent of the energy used by incandescent alternatives, which can make them a more reliable option than selfinstalled solar lights.

Association of Realtors indicates landscape lighting can recoup as much as 70 percent of homeowners’ investment in the project at resale. When viewed through the lens of ROI, the cost of installing landscape lighting is even less.

Landscape lighting adds notable aesthetic appeal to a home at a fraction of the cost of other renovation projects. The benefits such lighting provides make the project one every homeowner can consider.

— Metro Creative

EXTERIOR: GETTY IMAGES; OTHERS: METRO CREATIVE

Get To WORK: Home Office

Essentials That Motivate

The global COVID-19 pandemic opened people’s eyes to many things. One of the more lasting impressions was how the traditional workplace environment was not as essential as people once thought. Millions of people pivoted to remote work during the pandemic, and a significant percentage of those individuals continue to work from home.

Remote work is now common in many industries. According to an Upwork study, 22 percent of the American workforce will be remote by 2025. The Pew Research Center says around 22 million employed adults (ages 18 and over) in the United States work from home all the time, which is equal to about 14 percent of all employed adults. Statistics Canada said 18.7 percent of Canadian workers worked mostly from home in May 2024.

Homeowners are increasingly outfitting their homes with spaces that can accommodate working from home. Maximizing a home office with essentials comes down to some key components.

SUPERIOR PC OR LAPTOP

Chances are that it will be nearly impossible to get any work done without a computer. Most people have devices at home, but it’s best to check with employers to see which kind of specifications would be needed in a machine to run

According to an Upwork study, 22 percent of the American workforce will be remote by 2025.

the types of applications that keep the business functioning. An older laptop or PC might need to be upgraded to a newer, more powerful model.

RELIABLE INTERNET CONNECTION

Connectivity is vital when working from home. Remote workers must be accessible via email, and many companies rely on messaging applications or VoIP (voice over internet protocol) telephone systems. Those who have been considering an upgrade to bandwidth and internet speed may want to take the plunge if they expect high volume of data uploads and downloads and constant connectivity. Experts advise a minimum of 100 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed as a good starting point for remote work.

ERGONOMIC DESK AND CHAIR

Remote workers can outfit a home office with furniture that’s custom-

Maximizing a home office with essentials comes down to some key components.

ized to their needs, rather than what would just be provided in a traditional office setting. One item to consider is a convertible desk, which can be raised or lowered to accommodate sitting or standing at a workstation. No home office is complete without a comfortable chair. Choose a chair with lumbar support and adjustability.

LAPTOP STAND

A laptop stand can help a person avoid a condition called “tech neck,” which the Mayo Clinic describes as being caused from poor posture while using technology. Instead of looking down at the laptop, the stand will raise the device to a proper eye level. Use a wireless keyboard and mouse to make it even more comfortable and convenient.

NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES

Many times a home office is tucked into whatever nook in the house is available. That may mean it is adjacent to a living room or the kitchen in the midst of the hustle and bustle. Things can get noisy, and a pair of quality noise-cancelling headphones can help mitigate ambient sounds.

Remote work continues to gain steam and home offices need to meet the demands of working from home.

— Metro Creative

Kitchens have long been characterized as the busiest room in a home. Kitchens are where meals are prepared and cooked, but they also tend to be gathering spaces where families connect at the end of a day and where guests congregate during holiday celebrations and birthday parties.

All that time in the kitchen makes these popular rooms to renovate. Homeowners who want to give their kitchens a new look and feel without doing a full renovation can consider kitchen cabinet projects. An understanding of kitchen cabinet projects can help homeowners decide if this undertaking is for them.

• Cabinet renovations do not necessarily require replacement. Some cabinets may not need to be removed and replaced. The renovation experts at HGTV note that kitchen cabinet refacing can be a budget-friendly way to give a new look to cabinets that do not require replacement. Refacing can be as extensive as homeowners prefer, but such projects

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT KITCHEN CABINETS

can create a whole new aesthetic in the kitchen depending on the extent of the project.

• There are many different types of kitchen cabinets. Homeowners who have never been involved in a cabinet project should know they will have many different options to choose from. Face-frame cabinets are a traditional choice made with a frame around the door and any drawers that might be included as part of the cabinets. Some additional options include full overlay cabinets, frameless cabinets, recessed panel cabinets, and Shaker cabinets. Homeowners hesitant to choose their own cabinets can work with a contractor and/or interior designer to find the option that aligns best with their current kitchen.

Understanding kitchen cabinet projects can help homeowners decide if this undertaking is for them.

• Cabinet materials and finishes vary as well. Cabinets can be made from an array of materials, including wood, laminate, metal, and plastic. Cabinets also can be finished with paint, stain, glaze, and lacquer. Each finish has its own unique characteristics. For example, painted cabinets may need to be tended to with greater frequency than other options because paint can fade. However, painted cabinets remain popular because homeowners can paint them any color at any time.

• Consider the countertops when adjusting kitchen cabinets. Kitchens tend to have color schemes, and that scheme is often reflected in the color of cabinets and countertops. When tweaking just the cabinets, homeowners should give ample consideration to the overall color scheme of their kitchens. Interior designers can be invaluable resources for homeowners who aren’t quite sure how new or refaced cabinets will fit into an overall color scheme.

• Consider replacement if necessary. A kitchen cabinet replacement project will be more expensive than refacing the cabinets. But there are instances when cabinets require replacement. Excessive wear and tear, insufficient storage, a dated appearance, and cabinets that appear to be sagging off the wall are some indicators that replacement is necessary. Updated cabinets can give a kitchen a whole new look, even if the cabinets are refaced instead of replaced.

— Metro Creative

There’s no shortage of small projects that can change the look and feel of a home. Many of these undertakings can be achieved with a modest investment.

Hsmall renovations can make a BIG Impact

omeowners may think they have to tear down walls or build room extensions to transform their homes with renovation projects. But small projects can yield impressive results, and that’s something homeowners working with limited budgets can keep in mind.

There’s no shortage of small projects that can change the look and feel of a home. Many of these undertakings can be achieved with a modest investment.

• FRONT DOOR REPLACEMENT: A new front door instantly improves curb appeal and can make a home more secure and energy-efficient. Painting the existing front door is an even smaller project that still offers appeal.

• LIGHTING ADDITION: Whether a homeowner enlarges a window or adds skylights, natural light can produce incredible results. Investing in new lighting can feel like expanding a space without pushing out walls.

• KITCHEN AND BATH FIXTURE UPGRADES: Faucets and door pulls are used every day. Swapping existing fixtures for something a little more modern can unify spaces and provide subtle changes that enhance these popular spaces.

• WOOD FLOOR RESTORATION: Scuffing and scratches can adversely affect the pristine look of a natural wood floor. Homeowners can polish a floor to restore its shine. A professional service will sand down and refinish older floors at a fraction of the cost of a new floor installation.

• EXTERIOR LIGHTING: Lighting isn’t just important inside. A welcoming glow in the yard is awe-inspiring. There are many energy-efficient lighting options, including ones that do not need to be hard-wired to the circuitry inside the home.

• STAIRCASE RENOVATION: Coordinate the staircase to the style in the home with a decorative carpet runner. A secure runner is attractive and can help reduce slipping down the stairs. Tighten shaky railings or replace them while upgrading the stair treads.

• INTERIOR PAINT: Change the color of walls, doors, cabinets, or even furniture with paint. All homeowners need is a paint color that inspires them and a little bit of time.

• REPLACE OUTLET COVERS: Upgrade outlet covers with screwless options. Screwless plates for outlets and light switches can make walls look more sleek.

• ENTRY ORGANIZER INSTALLATION: Banish clutter from the home by catching it at the door. An entry organizer with spaces for shoes, coats, backpacks, and shopping bags can be eye-catching and functional.

• CARPETS CLEANING: Soiled carpets can look drab and dingy. Homeowners can rent carpet-cleaning machines or hire services to revitalize carpets with a deep cleaning.

Small changes around a home can create a big impact without breaking the bank.

— Metro Creative

FOUNTAIN HEAD COUNTRY CLUB

100 Years of Community

Written by Tricia Lynn Strader

The Fountain Head Heights community of Hagerstown, including homes and rural charm, has been a popular and lively part of the area for over a century. The Fountain Head Country Club, named in part for this community, celebrated its centennial in 2024. Founders included a wide array of local leaders, politicians, philanthropists, and immigrants to America.

Fountain Head Country Club took its name from Fountain Head Heights and a large spring on the land that supplied water for the area. The former Schindel farm comprised most of the land that became the country club and golf course. Emmett Gans, a prominent local banker and developer, founded the club with other local leaders in April 1924. The initial membership fee was $25.

The country club is celebrating this 100 years of history by publishing a hardcover book detailing its founding, and hosted a black-tie gala on October 5, 2024, with a turnout of more than 200 people.

“We had a great band, Mood Swings, with 14 musicians and singers,” says longtime member Paul Mellott. “They sang everything from Sinatra to Fleetwood Mac, the 1940s to 1990s; the band played horns and all sorts of instruments. Everyone was up dancing, from 30-year-olds to 80-year-olds. It was the best party I’ve ever been to.”

Mellott has been a member of Fountain Head for 41 years and lives in a home on the edge of the golf course, designed by eminent golf course designer Donald Ross. Mellott and others put together the centennial book with Georgia-based author John Companiotte, with information about founders, and a foreword from renowned golfer Fred Funk.

Sam Snead played there, as did Fred McLeod, Fred Funk, Walter Hagen, and the list goes on. Championships were won there by golfers of note over the decades. Funk won the Maryland Open in 1987 while still a golf coach at University of Maryland. That win inspired him to launch a shot at the PGA Tour and full-time career.

Sam Snead (1912-2002) was considered one of the

18TH HOLE: COURTESY OF JOHN COMPANIOTTE

A view from the 18th hole at Fountain Head Country Club in Hagerstown with the clubhouse in the distance.

greatest players of all time. Snead won a record 94 gold medallions for wins in PGA of America Tour events and was later credited with winning a record 82 PGA Tour events, later tied by Tiger Woods. Snead was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.

“Donald Ross was the No. 1 golf course architect,” says Mellott. “Fountain Head is the only one still open of six courses he designed in Maryland. I love golf. It’s a fun sport and you get a lot of exercise. It’s a fun club and we have other activities like bingo.”

That spirit of community is what spurred Emmett Gans and others to establish the club in 1924. An Ohio native, Gans was the director of first National Bank of Hagerstown. He was also once a president of the city’s chamber of commerce. In 1923, he even hosted the former prime minister of Great Britain, David Lloyd George, at the same time the country club was being formed. He saw a need for a full-service country club, with the growing population of Hagerstown and the adjacent area from 1910 to 1920. The surrounding area contains more than five times the population of the city of Hagerstown.

Gans’ wife, Ann, and other founders’ wives were active in civic organizations and those that helped women, like founding the Women’s Club in Hagerstown in 1921, which still provides services and housing. Mrs. Gans was its president from 1921-1928. She also donated land for Pangborn Hall, home of Washington County School of Nursing, and contributed to many cultural organizations. She had a famous niece, chef Julia Child, who visited her in Hagerstown.

Wives of two Fountain Head Country Club founders, Mrs. Elmer Funkhouser and Mrs. William Preston Lane, also served as presidents of the Women’s Club.

Gans bought the farmland for Fountain Head in

1922. The original farmhouse on the 15th hole dates back to 1760.

Many of the founders had fought in and been distinguished leaders during WWI (and later WWII.)

The first clubhouse opened on October 4, 1924,

Golf course architect Donald Ross

An early view of the Clubhouse entrance. The Clubhouse entrance today.

with a large dance hall and fireplaces at both ends. On May 1, 1925, Gans sold the club to its charter members.

In 1927, Fred McLeod, winner of the 1908 U.S. Open, won the Maryland Open at Fountain Head. The Maryland Open attracted some of the best golfers of the era, so having it at the fairly new Fountain Head was notable.

The 1929 stock market crash and Great Depression presented challenges. What was once an active, vibrant club saw 158 members resign. There was rationing of gas restricting transportation to the club, and a reduced crew to maintain the golf course because of members joining the military. However, new members joined, so the country club persevered and fared well.

In the postwar years, membership grew again, and the club began to bounce back. Between 1947 and 1952, three tennis courts were added. Also in 1952, renovations added two social rooms, and a ladies’ locker room and lounge. The ballroom was enlarged and redecorated. A major expansion was completed in 1963.

There were challenges besides the Depression and times of war. On June 11, 1965, a fire burned most of the club to the ground. It was up and running on a limited basis within the next few days. A new clubhouse was dedicated in 2006.

Fountain Head’s first local and first postwar head professional was Robert Diffendal, who grew up caddying at the club. Other professionals in residence included Arnold Hank Haneke, Bill

Strausbaugh Jr., who has a PGA award named after him, Charlie Herling, Chuck Pessagno, Darren Smith, Jim Schouller, J.P. Lunn, and Jeff Mann in 2021.

Female golfers have played the course, like Babe Zaharias, Betsy Rawls, and Mickey Wright, who was a reigning Women’s U.S. Open Champion when she visited in 1960.

Members believe what attracted so many professionals to Fountain Head Country Club was the quality of the facilities and the challenging course. While many other Ross-designed courses or facilities may have closed in tough times, Fountain Head has endured.

Member Peter Speller said in Fountain Head Country Club: A History, “The original layout by Ross was over land that had very few trees. They were using wood-shafted clubs in that era, so at that time length wasn’t a major factor — no golfer could overwhelm a course then with that equipment… But a couple of the design aspects that Ross implemented back when he designed the course still make the course challenging today. One is that the greens are relatively small. Getting a shot to land on the green and stop is difficult… Next, if a shot goes over the green, on nearly every hole a golfer is left with a difficult up and down. The small greens contribute to that difficulty in that there is not much green to work with on a chip.”

Fred Funk said in the book’s foreword, “On the occasion of Fountain Head Country Club’s 100th Anniversary, I can pleasantly recall the Club’s sig-

A portrait of Club founder Emmett Gans.

The rolling hills at Fountain Head’s 13th hole.

Above, attendees at the 100th anniversary gala festivities in October 2024. Below, the Mood Swings provide the dance music.

A vintage view of the dining room, one of many historic photos found in the club’s commemorative anniversary book.

nificance in my career. The Club hosted the 1987 Maryland Open, which featured both top amateurs and club professionals from the state. I had won the event in 1983 and I always looked forward to the level of competition that would take place in the Maryland Open. Plus, Fountain Head has one of the few relatively unaltered Donald Ross golf course designs in the country, a course that demanded a lot of every player. . .On the final day I could do no wrong, making birdies on holes #7, #9, #11, #12, #13, #14, and #17, with my only bogey coming on the 8th hole, for a 65. Especially gratifying to me was my consistency in putting on greens that are subtle in contour and not easy to read… That win propelled me to seek my fortune on the PGA Tour. It was a good decision. I went on to win over $30 million, with the 2005 Players Championship among my wins… It’s great to be part of the history of Fountain Head Country Club.”

Fountain Head Country Club has survived the Depression, a world war, more recent recessions, and a pandemic to celebrate its centennial.

“A lot of things happen in 100 years,” adds Mellott. “You have to pivot and adapt. They’re nice people here; it’s a social place where we can feel really good walking in.”

It still thrives thanks to its current members, the spirit of its founders, and of past members. Several today are descendant generations of founders and early members.

Fountain Head Country Club is located at 13316 Fountain Head Road, Hagerstown, Maryland. For information, call (301) 739-6933 or visit fhcc1924.com.

Meet Carlos Rubio International Author With a Local Flair

Written by Tricia Lynn Strader

Anew year has begun, and it’s a time of reflection and making resolutions. Local author Carlos Rubio, who writes both in Spanish and English, has continued to achieve his goals. He has yet another novel written in Spanish and published in Spain in 2024: Aria Final (or “Final Aria” in English), which was a 2022 finalist for a Spanish literature award, the Reinaldo Arenas. He won the same award in 2018 for his book, Doble Filo (or “Double Edge” in English).

The former professor has been writing faithfully for many, many years and has 17 or 18 books to his credit. He even wrote an autobiography a few years ago about his coming to America from Cuba, to leave as a lasting family story for his children called Faded Dreams.

The Reinaldo Arenas competition honors the memory of Arenas, who opposed Fidel Castro’s government. The award is presented every year to literature submitted from authors around the world. The board of directors requires emailed submissions to be written in Spanish and alternates every other year between accepting poetry or novels.

“Just to have my name linked in the same sentence with his, is a great honor,” says Rubio. “I’m humbled and very fortunate. This guy was a giant. He had to leave Cuba in 1980 because he was persecuted for his lifestyle, and his work was smuggled out and published in other parts of the world, not Cuba. Cuba has shamelessly created an award named after him now, too, but he never wanted his writing to be published in Cuba.

“Final Aria is in bookstores in Spain, but I don’t even have a copy yet.”

Sometimes, people ask Rubio to translate some of his English works into Spanish, but he says he doesn’t do translations. He either writes it in

English or in Spanish, and that’s it. In 2014, he published Forgotten Objects.

“That one almost killed me to do. I spent six years of constant work on it. It’s a huge novel. I’m not going to go back and translate it into Spanish.”

Rubio

Forgotten Objects was a finalist in the Reader’s Favorite book awards 2015. It is owned and operated by authors. He has received awards for his writing several times in the U.S. and Spanish-speaking countries. Quadrivium won the annual Nuevo Leon International Award Prize for Novels in 1989. A second edition was released in 2007. Dead Time was released in 2003 and won the Book of the Year Award by ForeWord Magazine in 2004. Saga (Spanish) and the Spanish version of Dead Time were finalists in Letras de Oro in 1993. Secret Memories from 2005 was a finalist in the Book of the Year Award by ForeWord Magazine in 2006. Also among his works are Orpheus Blues,Caleidoscopio, and Orisha. His trilogy of satirical novels, American Triptych, was published in the early 2000s as The Neophyte, Bullwhip and California Fever. Ediciones Sociedarte, a publishing house in the Dominican Republic, advertised in 2009 for manuscripts for an anthology. He missed the deadline, but the publisher wanted to read his works. He sent a novella and five stories. The publisher released them in one volume with two different covers of Hubris and Xinef the Eternal and Other Stories. Getting back to his more recent

works, he’s working on another book, a novel that is half complete but he’s not divulging any information on it yet. Before Final Aria, he published a book of 10 short stories titled The Successor in English.

He says one of the reasons he did the short stories is that he was in between novels at the time, hadn’t written any short stories in a long time, and it was a short-term commitment. He calls writing a novel a long-term commitment like running a marathon. There is the research and locations to determine, details to work. And the story must be set up and move along to its conclusion.

“The Successor was quick, and I’m happy with it,” he says. “One common thread there is in it is that all the stories are about something odd, unexplainable. I do have a favorite story, and I suppose everyone else reading it will have a favorite.”

In 2019, he published Italian Tilt, and it has been well received. He says people on Amazon and different forums make good comments. The main character is an accountant in Tysons Corner, Virginia, who leads a very structured, methodical life. But he keeps in touch with his college roommate, who majored in theater.

When the friend cannot meet for their annual reunion, he sends the accountant a ticket and timeline to join him in Florence, Italy. The methodical man goes, and a new world opens up to him. He meets an Italian lady, who’s an artist. With her, he finds romance and adventure, hence the title Italian Tilt. Someone wanted a sequel, but he has no plans for one.

“Writing is a slow process for a novel. Working on something takes years. Then there’s the editing and trying to publish. I said what I wanted to say. I like a challenge and doing something fresh each time.”

COURTESY OF CARLOS RUBIO

SOME OF MANY WORKS BY AUTHOR CARLOS RUBIO

Love of literature runs in the family. Carlos Rubio Albet was born in Pinar del Rio, Cuba. His mother was a college professor and poet. His father was a lawyer. He says they planted the seed, and he remembers listening to his mother read poetry. He came to the U.S. in 1961 and attended high school in Delaware.

“After I got here, I read more seriously and decided to try my hand at writing,” he says. He has been writing since he was an undergraduate student. He left a job at DuPont and headed for Concord College in Athens, West Virgina. He had never been to the mountaineer state, but liked the pictures on the college brochure a friend showed him.

“I was young and saw only possibilities. I sold my car, quit my job, and sold my furniture. I took two things with me: my clothes and my jazz collection.”

He earned his masters from WVU. He taught for Berkeley County Schools, Hood College, and Shepherd University. His first story was published in 1966 while at college, and he never stopped. He says even at 16, he managed to squeeze in a few hours to write. It’s who he is and how he expresses himself. Perhaps calling upon his own upbringing, his Forgotten Objects follows Anna, a woman of Italian and French heritage who grew up in Mussolini’s rule and alliance with

Hitler. Her life changed with relocations to Cuba and the U.S.

After that novel, he fulfilled a promise to his daughter – his story of life in Cuba with friends and family, and of coming to the U.S. in Faded Dreams. It was originally to be just a personal family project.

“I made three copies for my children,” Rubio says. “I never intended to publish it. It sat on my desk two years. But, when President Obama began to re-establish relations with Cuba, I thought that was a mistake, and maybe it was time to publish it.”

With the current political situation at least up to 2024, the autobiography may have even more meaning. He didn’t have much more than the clothes on his back when he came to the U.S.

“When I left, I went into a room with glass walls at the airport,” Rubio says. “Cubans call it the fish bowl. They check your belongings and luggage. They assess things of value. I had a watch my mother gave me, and they took it and all my money. When I landed here, I did not have a penny. An empty wallet was all I had in my pocket. My daughter keeps it as a symbol of what can be accomplished here. The beauty of the U.S. is that no one tells you what you can be. No one says you’ll succeed or fail. You have the choice.”

He’s never been back to Cuba. His father died a few months after he left,

and his mother died in 1976. He lost a few friends over the years, too.

“When I walked to that plane so many years ago, it was one-way. I promised myself not to return as long as that government is in power.”

He says his mother got to read some of his short stories but never got to see his books.

“I never really knew my parents as an adult. I was 17 when I left. I couldn’t sit down with my mom, who was a writer, and talk about writing. Correspondence was irregular with family and friends.”

But, his children and grandchildren are able to read his works.

“The one thing that will remain after I’m gone, is the books,” Rubio says. “It’s a gift to be able to create something people might read years on. I’m fortunate to still be writing after 17 or 18 books. The way I look at it is writing’s a luxury. I can spend time doing something creative in retirement. Not too many people can have that luxury. They spend all day working to make money to live. I did that but I didn’t write to make money. Literature and money are two different things. I do it for the love of it and hope my impact was an influence of good.”

Carlos Rubio’s works and more information can be found on his website, carlosrubioalbet.com.

Green Tea What’s behind the tea leaves?

Written by Lisa McCoy

Tea has been cultivated for centuries, beginning in India and China. Today, tea is the second most widely consumed beverage in the world. There are three main varieties of tea – green, black, and oolong, which all come from the same tree. How the leaves are processed is what differentiates the tea’s taste and nutritional value. Black and oolong tea involves drying and fermenting the leaves. Green tea has less processing which preserves more of the powerful antioxidants called polyphenols and other phytochemicals, which are naturally in tea leaves.

Green tea has been part of traditional medicine for thousands of years. Today, green tea is available across the globe in several different varieties including loose leaf tea, powder, flavored, and sweetened varieties. Social and print media have touted extraordinary health benefits of green tea such as weight loss and lower risks of diabetes and high blood pressure. Most of the popular green tea preparations sold for health benefits are a processed, more concentrated form of green tea, often referred to as green tea extracts. Let’s look more closely at the research behind green tea and health.

One cup of brewed green tea is a low-calorie beverage (only 2 calories) unless you add sweetener to it. It has no fat, sugar, carbohydrates or fiber and only trace amounts of magnesium, potassium, manganese, and riboflavin. It does contain caffeine, approximately 29 milligrams in one cup, which is less than coffee but still provides a mild stimulant effect.

Green tea does contain strong antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants work in our bodies to neutralize free radicals, which can cause internal damage. Research studies continue to examine the link between antioxidants in green

tea and cancers, including breast, lung, prostate, stomach and pancreatic. However, results have not been conclusive to make any health claim for green tea and cancer prevention.

The most prominent antioxidants in green tea are catechins which include EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) that is linked to boosting metabolism and promoting fat breakdown in the body. Many commercial weight loss and fat-burning supplements list green tea as an ingredient. However, not all studies have shown that green tea boosts metabolism but depends more on the individual. Study results have been conflicting when determining the effect of green tea on weight loss with most showing none or modest weight loss. Other research continues to identify the effect of green tea on high blood pressure and diabetes.

Brain health is another area of studies related to green tea. The polyphenols in the tea may help maintain the parts of the brain that regulate learning and memory. Green tea may help to prevent and treat neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that may impact serotonin and dopamine in our brains. These chemicals influence our mood, sleep, and emotion. Drinking green tea may promote relaxation, reduce stress, and may help with sleep.

Most research studies use green tea extracts instead of brewed green tea but health experts recommend brewing your own tea and drinking it. One reason is that there are a variety of nutritional supplements, including green tea extract, on the market that are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Another reason is that antioxidants are sensitive to oxygen so the processing and transforming of green tea into a supplement form may decrease the potency of the antioxidants.

Green tea extracts may cause liver problems with some individuals. People with liver disease should consult a health care provider before using supplements with green tea extract, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

The benefits of drinking green tea are not only its unique flavor and increasing your daily fluid intake, but also taking the time to slow down and savor a cup of tea. How much green tea should you drink to get health benefits? Three to four cups of brewed green tea are recommended. Some people may experience adverse effects if consuming larger amounts such as gastrointestinal problems, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, agitation, heart palpitations, and confusion. Even though green tea has about a third of the caffeine found in coffee, consuming too much caffeine can increase feelings of anxiety, interfere with sleep and cause stomach upset and headaches in some people. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you may need to drink less, or drink decaffeinated green tea.

Be mindful of what you add to your tea for flavor, such as honey, lemon, or sugar. Chai lattes add milk and sugar which results in extra calories. The amount of caffeine in one cup of green tea can vary, depending on the amount of tea used and the length of steeping.

Drinking green tea may have some negative side effects. The catechins found in green tea may interfere with your body’s absorption of iron from foods. If you are at risk of iron deficiency anemia, health experts recommend drinking green tea between meals and waiting at least one hour after eating before drinking tea. The catechins in green tea may also interfere with certain medications and decrease their effectiveness. These may include medications for heart, blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. Always check with your pharmacist or health care provider first before starting a new dietary routine or taking supplements. Keep in mind that green tea supplements are higher

in concentration and may have a more toxic effect.

Tea has been regarded as the key to good health, happiness, and wisdom over the ages. When brewing tea, use quality ingredients like fresh filtered water and quality tea bags. Steeping tea for 5 minutes will extract about 80% of the antioxidant capacity. When removing tea bags, do not squeeze them, since this will make your tea bitter. If you steep the tea too long, it can also make the tea bitter. If the water is too hot, it causes more tannins to be released from the tea which can result in cloudy tea. Check the box below to see how to brew the perfect cup of green tea. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

PERFECT CUP OF TEA?

Use these ingredients to make green tea:

• Three cups filtered water

• Four green tea bags

• One tablespoon ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced

• Two tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus four slices for garnish

• Two tablespoons honey

Then follow these directions:

• Bring water to just below boiling point. Remove from heat.

• Place tea bags in a pitcher and add ginger slices. Pour hot water over the tea bags. Let them steep for 8-10 minutes. Remove the tea bags. Stir in lemon juice and honey.

• Serve warm or iced.

Lisa McCoy is a registered dietitian at the University of Maryland Extension

Balancing Autonomy and Protection

The Debate on Minors’ Right to Consent to Mental Health Treatment

Written by J. Emmet Burke, PHD, JD

Amiddle school student approaches a school-based Brook Lane mental health therapist. “I need counseling, and I don’t want my parents to know.” The therapist agrees.

The therapist’s agreement to this student’s request represents an evolution over many years of the legal right to consent to treatment. Initially, the legal right was established for adults to consent to treatment and for adults to consent to treatment for their children. As a next step, laws limited the right of parents in certain situations. Finally, and recently, this legal progression has resulted in the right of children themselves to consent to their own treatment.

The legal right of the middle school student to seek treatment on his own is the result of a recently enacted Maryland law that aims to encourage and empower children and adolescents to act responsibly and make healthcare decisions for themselves. For many reasons, this is a

work in progress that, although well-intentioned, is nevertheless controversial and far from resolved.

The parent-child relationship is complex on many levels. Any discussion about the legal right of children to consent to treatment inevitably involves the legal rights of parents and parental authority. Bringing government and the law into an already complex parent-child relationship further complicates the situation.

Historically, government regulation has supported the authority of parents in raising children. For example, parents have the legal right to homeschool their children. However, in certain situations, state regulation has limited and restricted parental decisions about their children. A parent can decide to homeschool a child, but the education of children in some state-approved manner is mandatory. Furthermore, teachers and healthcare professionals, among others, are mandated reporters. This means they must report to authorities any suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child by a parent.

With this history, the legal right to consent to the treatment of children by parents—and eventually the right of children themselves to consent—begins with the right of adults to consent to their own treatment. Justice Benjamin Cardozo in Schloendorff v. Society of New York Hospitals (1914) wrote, “Every human being of adult years and sound mind has a right to determine what shall be done with his own body.” This case established the principle of informed consent, which has become central to modern medical ethics.

In a subsequent case, the court ruled that the right to consent included the right of a Jehovah’s Witness to refuse treatment on religious grounds, even life-saving blood transfusions. But in a further development of the right to treatment, the court in Prince v. Massachusetts ruled that parental authority is not absolute in similar situations: “Parents may be free to become martyrs themselves. But it does not follow they are free… to make martyrs of their children…”

Over time, most states began to recognize the right of children and adolescents to consent to treatment in certain limited situations. Maryland law, as is the case in other states, has for many years mandated that minors have the same decision-making authority as adults when it comes to decisions about reproduction and substance abuse. For example, a minor in Maryland may seek treatment regarding contraception or abortion without parental consent. Attempting to balance the rights of parents and children, “parental notification” is required or allowed in some states. Maryland law leaves it to the discretion of the medical provider to contact the parent of a child seeking medical treatment in these situations on their own authority.

Returning to our 12-year-old middle school student seeking counseling: Over the past few years, many states have sought to expand this previously limited right of children to consent to treatment to include mental health treatment. The rationale is that some children and adolescents are living in abusive family situations, and the requirement of parental consent might put the child at further risk.

The first step in Maryland to include a minor’s consent to mental health treatment was legislation some years ago allowing a sixteen-year-old to seek mental health treatment without parental consent. In a further development of this right, Governor Hogan in 2021 signed legislation allowing 12-year-olds to consent

to mental health treatment. It was controversial at the time, as legislators in both chambers staunchly opposed this legislation, arguing it undermines parental authority and is unrealistic, given that 12-year-olds may not be cognitively able to give informed consent.

Proponents argue that there are situations of possible parental abuse or neglect and that “there are some kids that just have a harder time than others and don’t have parents who can provide the type of support they need.” They cited statistics that 24% of adults surveyed had experienced three or more traumatic events as teenagers.

The 2021 legislation signed by Governor Hogan does recognize that expanding the rights of children limits parental authority. As a result, it included guardrails in the legislation. If treatment is initiated without parental consent or involvement, a parent is not obligated to pay for the treatment. A therapist must also assess the maturity level and cognitive ability of the 12-year-old seeking treatment. Additionally, a minor must be at least 16 years old to consent to medication.

Time will tell if the 2021 Maryland legislation does, in fact, support children being more responsible for themselves

and provides an opportunity for a child or adolescent to receive treatment that otherwise would not be available in certain family situations. Others believe that this is an unfortunate balancing of parental authority and children’s rights that goes too far, weakens parental authority and is unrealistic. They believe that most likely, such legislation will result in 12-year-olds having a right to mental health treatment without, in fact, the likelihood of treatment ever being provided. Time will tell.

Emmet Burke, PHD, JD is an admitting psychologist working in Brook Lane’s inpatient unit. He holds a Doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the Catholic University of American in Washington, DC and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law. He has been on staff since 1980. Dr. Burke also has clinical privileges at Western Maryland Health System in Cumberland, MD.

A New Year of Programs and Activities Coming to Washington County Commission on Aging

Written by Susan Hurd

Starting to think about New Year’s resolutions can be straightforward for many, but some individuals may struggle to implement lasting changes. This challenge often arises from limited resources and time, especially for those caring for a loved one or facing their own aging. If you or someone you care about belongs to this important community, there is hope.

The Washington County Commission on Aging offers a wealth of opportunities for anyone looking to make a positive impact physically, emotionally, or financially. These programs are designed to provide additional tools without straining your budget.

The Commission on Aging in Washington County is inspiring optimism for a brighter New Year among our aging community with a variety of programs. These transformative initiatives are made possible by grants and the generosity of private donors like you. Our innovative and research-supported offerings enable seniors to live active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

The Senior Activities Center offers connection through various weekly scheduled activities, including exercise programs, wellness talks, arts and crafts, computer instruction, educational programs, games, social programs, and much more. Free membership is open to active, independent adults age 55+.

Members of our Senior Activities Center also have use of a nicely equipped gym featuring a variety of cardio equipment and a strength training machine.

PER4M (Proactive Education Resource for Many) provides a range of programs designed through evidence-based initiatives to maintain independence. Some examples of PER4M include Living Well with Chronic Conditions, Stepping On for improved balance, the Diabetes Prevention Program, and Walk with Ease to promote physical activity among those with chronic conditions like arthritis. They also offer “Healthy Aging” discussions, with the new program “Bingocize” returning soon.

For individuals who are maturing and facing financial challenges during these times, the Commission on Aging is available to help you navigate eli-

gibility requirements and assist with applications for qualifying programs. The Washington County Commission on Aging also empowers individuals through education and support, offering a variety of assistance programs such as Meals on Wheels, Congregate Nutrition programs, Ombudsman services, Aging in Place initiatives, Senior Assisted Living Group Subsidy, Senior Care, Workshops for those new to Medicare, and many more.

No matter your circumstances, let this New Year inspire you to reach out to your Commission on Aging and explore new opportunities. Some may seek assistance, while others may wish to offer their support. The Washington County Commission on Aging is constantly in need of volunteers and donors to help us fulfill our mission of serving the most vulnerable individuals in our county.

Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with hope and purpose.

Susan Hurd is an RSVP Project Manager, Guardianship Care Manager and Community Educator for the Washington County Commission on Aging in Hagerstown.

Homeowners typically can lean on the value of their homes should they need money for improvement projects or other plans. Reverse mortgages are one way to do just that.

HCOMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT REVERSE MORTGAGES

omeownership is a dream for millions of people across the globe. The National Association of Realtors indicates real estate has historially exhibited longterm, stable growth in value. Money spent on rent is money that a person will never see again. However, paying a traditional mortgage every month enables homeowners to build equity and can be a means to securing one’s financial future. Homeowners typically can lean on the value of their homes should they need money for improvement projects or other plans. Reverse mortgages are one way to do just that.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A REVERSE MORTGAGE?

People near retirement age are eligible for a specific type of loan they can borrow against. Known as a “reverse mortgage,” this type of loan can be great for people 62 or older who perhaps can no longer make payments on their home, or require a sum of money to use right now, without wanting to sell their home.

In addition to meeting the age requirement, a borrower must live at the property as a primary residence and certify occupancy annually to be eligible for a reverse mortgage. Also, the property must be maintained in the same condition as when the reverse mortgage was obtained, says Fannie Mae.

HOW DOES A REVERSE MORTGAGE WORK?

The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau says a reverse mortgage, commonly a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which is the most popular type of reverse mortgage loan, is different from a traditional mortgage. Instead of making monthly payments to bring down the amount owed on the loan, a reverse mortgage features no monthly payments. Rather, interest and fees are added to the loan balance each month and the balance grows.

The loan is repaid when the borrower no longer lives in the home.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?

With a reverse mortgage, even though borrowers are not making monthly mortgage payments, they are still responsible for paying property-related expenses on time, including, real estate and property taxes, insurance premiums, HOA fees, and utilities. Reverse mortgages also come with additional costs, including origination fees and mortgage insurance up to 2.5 percent of the home’s appraised value, says Forbes. It’s important to note that most interest rates on these loans are variable, meaning they can rise over time and thus increase the cost of borrowing. In addition, unlike traditional mortgage payments, interest payments on reverse mortgages aren’t tax-deductible.

HOW IS A REVERSE MORTGAGE PAID BACK?

A reverse mortgage is not free money. The homeowners or their heirs will eventually have to pay back the loan when the borrowers no longer live at the property. This is usually achieved by selling the home.

The CFPB notes if a reverse mortgage loan balance is less than the amount the home is sold for, then the borrower keeps the difference. If the loan balance is more than the amount the home sells for at the appraised value, one can pay off the loan by selling the home for at least 95 percent of the home’s appraised value, known as the 95 percent rule. The money from the sale will go toward the outstanding loan balance and any remaining balance on the loan is paid for by mortgage insurance, which the borrower has been paying for the duration of the loan.

Reverse mortgages can be a consideration for older adults. However, it is essential to get all of the facts to make an informed decision.

— Metro Creative

Animal Husbandry on the Frontier at the Conococheague Institute New Experiences for 2025

Written by Matthew Wedd

In 2025, the Conococheague Institute (CI), located near Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, will launch a new immersive 18th-century animal husbandry program, offering visitors a unique, hands-on exploration of life on a frontier farmstead. This addition to CI’s historical programming will enhance current offerings and help bridge a gap in the portrayal of early American life. As a living history site with free Saturday programs and year-round educational bookings, CI already provides opportunities for visitors to engage with

traditional tasks like butter churning and wool spinning. However, the source of these materials—livestock—has been notably absent. The new program will fill this void by focusing on the crucial roles animals played in early American settlements, particularly in farming, textile production, and daily sustenance. The program is part of a major initiative supported by the Americana Corner ‘Preserving America Partners’ 5-year grant, aligning CI with the America250 celebrations and historic tourism efforts. Americana Corner, established to preserve and highlight America’s heritage, has been supporting CI for years with

In the 18th century, animals like goats, sheep, and cattle were essential not just for food, but also for dairy products, wool, leather, and hides.

Life on a frontier farmstead is a new immersive 18th-century animal husbandry program coming to Conococheague Institute.

exhibits and educational resources. This new program reflects the trust founder Tom Hand has in CI’s ability to authentically represent early American life. Since its inception in 2022, Americana Corner has funded over $3 million for 321 projects across the country, and continues to revolutionize what non profit museums can do for their communities.

The animal husbandry program at CI will immerse visitors in the daily routines of animal care, highlighting the direct connection between settlers and their livestock. Participants will be able to feed animals, milk goats, and engage in the full wool production process—shearing, cleaning, carding, and spinning. These activities will provide a deeper understanding of how raw materials were transformed into finished products essential to survival.

Starting small, the program will feature dairy goats, heritage breed sheep, and possibly donkeys for protection. Over time, there is room to expand the livestock to include cows, horses, pigs, chickens, and even bees, reflecting the historical variety of animals found on the farm.

In the 18th century, animals like goats, sheep, and cattle were essential not just for food, but also for dairy products, wool, leather, and hides. By engaging with these animals and their care, visitors will gain insight into the labor-intensive processes that brought these materials to daily life. The program will connect these activities, providing a more complete historical narrative.

This hands-on learning experience will be open year-round, allowing visitors to see how animal care changes with the seasons. Younger visitors will have the chance to interact with the animals, fostering a deeper connection to the role animals played in frontier life.

Unlike petting zoos, which focus on entertainment, or working farms that may lack educational context, CI’s program offers historical education through direct engagement with the past. It will highlight the challenges of animal care, the responsibilities of farm life, and the many practical benefits animals provided settlers.

In today’s world, where many are

disconnected from food production, CI’s program offers an important opportunity to reflect on sustainability, ethical farming, and environmental impact. It will also cultivate empathy for animals, teaching visitors to appreciate their historical role as essential partners in survival, not just pets or work animals.

This new initiative promises to be a defining addition to CI’s educational offerings, bringing history to life in a meaningful way for future generations. For more information, contact CI at 717328-2800, info@cimlg.org, or visit cimlg. org.

For more information about Americana Corner, including numerous blogs and videos on America’s first century, visit americanacorner.com

Americana Corner, established to preserve and highlight America’s heritage, is a longtime supporter of the Institute, and has funded over $3 million for 321 projects across the country.

CI’s new program offers historical education through direct engagement with the past.

Homestead life is recreated with great historical detail.

A demonstration of firelocks at the Conococheague Institute.

Matthew Wedd is executive director of The Conococheague Institute in Mercersburg.

Why You Should Apply for the Leadership Washington County Program

Written by Tara Bockstanz

In Washington County, community leadership means more than just holding a title; it’s about making a real difference. Leadership Washington County (LWC) exists to inspire, develop, and support the leaders who will shape the future of our region. Through immersive experiences, meaningful connections, and a mission rooted in service, LWC empowers its participants to be effective, impactful leaders who leave a lasting mark on their communities. If you’re passionate about Washington County’s future and have ever wondered how you can help, the LWC program is the perfect place to start. As the only organization in the area focused on revealing the unique challenges and potential within our county, LWC invites passionate individuals who want to take pride, take part, and take the lead in shaping Washington County’s future.

TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Washington County is a vibrant area with a wealth of history, natural beauty, and opportunity. However, it’s not without its challenges. LWC is here to provide its participants with an in-depth understanding of the critical issues that shape our community, from economic development to educational needs, health, and social services. Participants gain insight into the pressing topics that local leaders grapple with daily, helping foster a sense

of responsibility and pride in the shared mission to make Washington County a better place.

By engaging with local leaders, touring community sites, and taking part in engaging discussions, LWC fosters a sense of pride in our county’s potential while instilling a responsibility to help shape that future. Graduates of the program frequently remark on the newfound appreciation and pride, seeing Washington County through fresh eyes and recognizing its potential.

TAKE PART AND CONNECT

The LWC program serves as a bridge between emerging leaders and seasoned experts across the county. LWC provides a rare opportunity for participants to connect with key leaders, non-profits, government representatives, and local businesses. More than just a learning

experience, LWC encourages each participant to be a part of the solution. Graduates are encouraged to stay actively engaged by serving on boards, volunteering with local organizations, and participating in government initiatives. The program equips participants with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities required to make a difference in their community, as well as the tools to act on that knowledge.

This program is ideal for those who feel called to do more than just observe or comment from the sidelines. It’s for those ready to step into meaningful action, learn from influential community leaders, and share ideas with like-minded peers. By taking part in LWC, you join a network of people who are equally committed to serving Washington County and are willing to engage in work that benefits all its residents.

Class of 2024 #37 discovers the Meritus Mobile Health Clinic.

Class of 2025 #38 tours PIA.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

TAKE THE LEAD IN YOUR FUTURE

Graduates of LWC go on to hold significant roles in nonprofit organizations, public service, and civic initiatives throughout Washington County. Alumni serve as board members, elected officials, and community advocates, leading initiatives that tackle the county’s biggest challenges and support its greatest assets. By joining this legacy, you position yourself within a network of leaders whose collective impact is felt across the community.

Being a part of LWC means committing to growth, self-discovery, and leadership. It requires you to bring an open mind, and to engage fully with program events. You’ll explore community successes, the real challenges our community faces and the resources available to make a difference, learning from influential figures and organizations that drive Washington County forward.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

If you live or work in Washington County, MD, and feel a calling to give back to your community, this program is for you. While LWC doesn’t focus specifically on traditional “leadership skills,” it’s a transformative experience that builds a deep understanding of what it means to lead through service. The program is ideal for anyone willing to go beyond surface-level solutions and instead work toward real progress and positive impact.

Whether you’re a professional seeking to expand your network, a civic-minded individual passionate about local issues, or simply someone with a desire to contribute, applying for the LWC program is your opportunity to take pride, take part, and take the lead in Washington County’s future.

TAKE ACTION

Leadership Washington County is more than a program; it’s a commitment to making a positive impact and championing a brighter future. If you want to be a catalyst for change, expand your horizons, and immerse yourself in the heart of what makes Washington County thrive, this is your moment. Apply to LWC and be part of the community-driven mission to take pride, take part, and take the lead in Washington County’s future. The future of Washington County is brighter when community members like you take part in shaping it.

Applications for the Class of 2026-#39 open on February 3, 2025. To apply please visit leadershipwashingtoncounty.org/program/apply or prior to Feb. 3, email info@leadershipwashingtoncounty.org and we will notify you when applications open.

Tara Bockstanz is the director of graduate engagement at Leadership Washington County.

LWC Class of 2020 #33 listens to a presentation by Dan Spedden about the stadium project.

Class of 2022 #35 explores the new ventures of Port 44 in Williamsport.

Class of 2023 #36 listens to a talk about the history of Hagerstown.

Seeing art in person can be an emotional experience

Written By Crystal Schelle

Working at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts has its perks: being surrounded by beautiful artwork. Each art piece elicits a certain feeling; some more than others.

Recently, I have been drawn to paintings or works on paper that feature faces. Lately, my favorite has been Dutch artist Willem Dooijewaard’s The Yachtsman, 1936.

The painting depicts a tall man with blue eyes, white hair, and a beard, with a stogie clenched between his lips. His black cap with a yacht logo on it looks as worn as his peacoat, which is being cinched with a belt. In his left hand, he holds a set of binoculars. He is not a fisherman, as can be seen with his oxford shirt and tie peeking out from his coat. He doesn’t look that approachable, but he does look like he’s studying me back.

There’s something about him that makes me want to stop a little longer to study him. It could be his blue eyes or wondering what he was looking for with those binoculars.

It seems I am not alone in experiencing feelings when standing in front of a painting. A study released earlier this year by a museum in the Netherlands is making a case for traveling to museums to see art in person.

The Mauritshuis, a museum in The Hague, Netherlands, released neurological research this year showing that observing a painting in person affects the brain differently than looking at its reproduction.

Known for being the home of Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with the Pearl Earring, the study was conducted on Girl as well as four other paintings: Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait, 1669, and The Anatomy Lesson, 1632; Vermeer’s View of Delft, c. 1660-6; and Van Honthorst’s The Violin Player, 1626. According to the study, visitors who looked at Girl had an “emotional response 10 times stronger when they are face to face with the painting in the museum.”

Mauritshuis commissioned the research using Neurofactor. Neurensics, an independent consumer neuroscience agency, was brought on board to

ensure the study’s soundness.

The study was conducted in two phases. The 10 subjects wore electroencephalogram (EEG) headsets with eye trackers, which, according to the study, followed the movement of the viewer’s eyes as they looked at the paintings. Then, those same people were shown a reproduction of the same paintings. Another set of 10 test subjects was shown the reproduction first and then shown around the museum. In phase two, researchers gave the 20 people who were shown reproductions a “functional MRI.”

Researchers found that of all the paintings shown, the original Girl with the Pearl Earring painting gave the viewers the most “emotional response. “Unlike other paintings, she manages to ‘captivate’ the viewer, in a ‘sustained attentional loop,’ the study said.

The study showed that viewers of Girl were first looking at her eyes and mouth, then the pearl, then back to the face, with eye movements forming a triangle. The researchers concluded that, the precuneus, the brain that controls cognitive functions, was the most stimulated.

We might not have Girl with the Pearl Earring for visitors to see in person, but we have plenty of artists whose work will surely make you feel.

So in these quiet winter months, take time to visit the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and find a piece that makes you feel the way those subjects felt about the Girl in the Pearl Earring.

Crystal Schelle is the director of marketing and communications for the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown. The museum is now open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. On Mondays, the museum is open to admin staff from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. but not to the public. The museum is closed on selected holidays. Go to wcmfa.org.

“The Yachtsman,” a 1936 portrait by Dutch artist Willem Dooijewaard (1892-1980)

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